Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we reach the midpoint of our Easter celebrations, the Church gives us Good Shepherd Sunday—a moment to pause and remember that Jesus is the shepherd of our souls, the one who knows us, calls us by name, and leads us into life.
This theme is deeply woven into the story of our own parish. Did you know that our founder, Fr. William Fairbairn La Trobe Bateman, while serving as Vicar of St John’s, Upper Norwood, came to a profound realisation? He saw that something must be done for “all the poor, a mile and a half away. God would not let us rest until they had their own church as well.”
And so, in the autumn of 1878, two small houses on Ely Road in South Norwood were rented. The ground floor of one was transformed into a simple chapel and dedicated to “The Good Shepherd.” From those humble beginnings grew the parish we cherish today. (You can read more about this remarkable history on our website: stalbanse25.com/history-architecture )
It is no coincidence, then, that we have our Good Shepherd statue to remind us of who we are and why we exist. At the very heart of our foundation is a mission: to shepherd the souls of South Norwood and Thornton Heath, particularly the poorest and most in need in our community. This calling has not changed. God will not rest—and neither will we—until all are known to Christ.
This Sunday will be made even more joyful as we baptise Sha’Nyla into the Body of Christ. We pray that she will always be held safely in the arms of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guided and loved throughout her life.
With every blessing in this Easter season,
Fr Sean
Notices
Quiz Night Friday 24th April 8pm in the hall – TONIGHT!
£5 per person. Bring your own snacks and we’ll bring refreshments and there will be a PRIZE for the winning team. This is a joyful fundraising event for the church and family and friends are welcome.
PCC Meeting – Thursday 30th April, 6.30pm Mass followed by meeting.
Fr Sean post Easter break – from the 1st to the 9th of May.
Electoral Roll
The Electoral Roll needs to be revised in time for the APCM. This process ends on 25th April. If you did not submit a form last year or since last year’s APCM, please do so before the closing date. Any questions, see Bronwyn.
Society of Mary 2026 May Devotion – Saturday 2nd May
12noon: Solemn Mass at St Silas’ Kentish Town, Procession through the streets to Holy Trinity 1.50pm: Lunch in Holy Trinity Church Hall A £10 donation towards lunch is asked for. 3.30pm: AGM of the Society 4.00 pm: Vespers, Sermon & Benediction.
Junior Choir Taster Day – Saturday 9th May 10am-2pm lunch included
Do you love to sing? Want to join a fun community? Come add your voice to our growing choir
No prior experience needed. We offer professional tuition free of charge. A highly regarded ‘Voice for life’ medal scheme. Lead the singing each week. Choir club for fun and snacks. Events and socials each term free of charge
The Ascension of the Lord – Thursday 14th May, Solemn Mass 7pm
APCM Sunday 17th May after the 10am Mass
New churchwardens and PCC are elected for a new term.
Freddie Gilbert’s Baptism – Saturday 23rd May 12noon
Everyone is welcome to join the celebration of Fr Sean & Helen’s son’s Baptism followed by drinks reception at the back of church. This also marks Fr Sean’s 10th anniversary of the Priesthood and he will offer a votive mass of the Holy Spirit on the eve of Pentecost.
This Week at St Alban's
Contact
Vicar:
Fr Sean Gilbert SSC (020) 8653 6092
Assistant Curate:
Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714
Churchwarden:
Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607
Safeguarding Officers:
Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188
Margaret Earle 07972647007
Hall Hire:
Tammy Sprosen 07944435013
hmalbanse25@gmail.com
